Earlier, the village in La Crosse County opted to sell a bite of land that hosted a religious cross after a local complained about separation of church and state. But Annie Laurie Gaylor of Freedom from Religion Foundation says Holmen should just remove the cross instead. She says that the village's move is "not responsible" because it is valuable land to the public.
Gaylor also had issue with the village officials leaning toward selling the parcel to the Lions Club for $100. She calls it a "pre-arranged deal." The FFRF put in their own bid of $12,000 based on pledges.
On Tuesday, a village finance committee approved a $600 sale to the Lions Club. Committee chairman Mark Seitz, noted the club first erected the symbol and has since maintained it. He also says the village has the right to sell the land to whomever it wants. The Village Board takes up the matter Thursday night.
The appraised value of the 30'x 30' land is $100.
UPDATE: With no discussion, the Village Board unanimously approved a $600 sale to the Holmen Lions. The club will have to fence off the property, put up a sign saying it’s theirs and limit access to an adjacent village reservoir.